Weighted Blankets, Vests & Lap Pads
Even, gentle pressure that signals "it's safe to relax" to the nervous system.
What it is
Blankets, vests, lap pads, or stuffed animals filled with small weights (usually glass beads or plastic pellets) that distribute pressure across the body.
What it does
Provides deep-pressure proprioceptive input — the same neurological signal as a long, firm hug. Activates the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') nervous system.
How it can help your child
- Promotes calm before bed and during sleep.
- Helps focus during seated tasks.
- Soothes anxiety, especially in waiting rooms or unfamiliar settings.
When to use it
- At bedtime (a weighted blanket).
- During homework or screen time (a lap pad).
- On long car rides (a weighted stuffed animal).
Sensory systems
Examples
- A 6-year-old who takes 90 minutes to fall asleep.
- A child with anxiety who calms instantly with a weighted lap pad during read-aloud.
Recommended ages
Lap pads 3+; full blankets 5+
Weight should be ~10% of the child's body weight + 1–2 lbs, never more. Never use weighted blankets with infants under 12 months. The blanket should never cover the head; the child should be able to remove it independently.
Where to find it
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